Beating Depression

Bell Work What can you do to help someone who is suffering from depression?

What is it? Depression is the feeling of being sad, unhappy, or discouraged. Depression is very common and affects as many as 1 in 8 people in their teen years. Depression affects people of every color, race, economic status, or age; however, it does seem to affect more girls than guys. Some mistakenly believe that depression is just an attitude or a mood that someone can shake off, It's not that easy.

How is this different from sadness? Everyone experiences their ups and downs so sadness is a normal emotion. Sadness is usually brief and goes away with a little time and care. Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. It interferes with a person's ability to participate in normal activities. Depression affects a person's thoughts, outlook, and behavior as well as mood. Depression can be mild or severe. At its worst, depression can create such feelings of despair that a person thinks about suicide.

Why do people feel this way? Genetics- Research shows that depression runs in families and that some people inherit genes that make it more likely for them to get depressed. 1. This is not true in all cases. Those with the genetic make up may not become depressed and those with no family history can still suffer from depression. Life events- Difficult life events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, moving, and changing schools can lead to depression.

Cont. Family/Social environment- negative, stressful, or unhappy family atmosphere can affect their self-esteem and lead to depression. Poverty; homelessness; and violence in the family, relationships, or community are examples. Substance use and abuse also can cause chemical changes in the brain that affect mood — alcohol and some drugs are known to have depressant effects. Medical conditions- Certain medical conditions can affect hormone balance and therefore have an effect on mood. undiagnosed learning disabilities might block school success, hormonal changes might affect mood, or physical illness might present challenges or setbacks

Depression in the brain Neurotransmitters- These chemicals help send messages between nerve cells in the brain. Certain neurotransmitters regulate mood, and if they run low, people can become depressed, anxious, and stressed. Stress also can affect the balance of neurotransmitters and lead to depression.

Teens and depression Disappointment- A letdown either you let someone down or vice versa. Loss of self-respect- Expectations are too high. Unfair comparisons- Don’t measure up. Illness- Long-term illness Broken relationships- Parents separate, loved one passes, friend moves.

Symptoms When someone has five or more of these symptoms most of the time for 2 weeks or longer, that person is probably depressed. Loss of sleep Loss of interest Loss of appetite Loss of energy Not taking care of themselves Aches and pains with no medical cause Change in personality (inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure) Unusual behavior (withdrawal from friends and family) Inability to concentrate Causing physical harm to self

Bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) Involves periods of major depression mixed with periods of mania. Mania- the term for abnormally high mood and extreme bursts of unusual activity or energy. Symptoms- racing speech and thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, elevated mood and exaggerated optimism, increased physical and mental activity, excessive irritability, aggressive behavior, and impatience, poor judgment, reckless behavior, like excessive spending, making rash decisions, and erratic driving, difficulty concentrating, inflated sense of self-importance

Major depression Combination of symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. For it to be major depression one of the symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest. The symptoms should be present daily or for most of the day or nearly daily for at least two weeks. It is disabling and will prevent you from functioning normally

Chronic depression (dysthymia) Characterized by a long-term (two years or more) depressed mood. Chronic depression is less severe than major depression and typically does not disable the person

Atypical Depression Shares symptoms of both Major and Chronic depression Mood improves to positive events Overeating Oversleeping Fatigue Extreme sensitivity to rejection Moods that worsen or improve in direct response to events

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Is a depression that occurs each year at the same time It usually starts in the fall or winter and ends in spring or early summer. It's estimated that about 6 in every 100 people (6%) experience SAD. In the United States found the rates of SAD were seven times higher among people in New Hampshire than in Florida, suggesting that the farther people live from the equator, the more likely they are to develop SAD.

Risk factors for suicide Alcohol and drug abuse PTSD- Post traumatic stress disorder Eating disorders Personality disorders Depression disorders Schizophrenia-Schizophrenia is a group of severe brain disorders in which people interpret reality abnormally. It may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behavior. It refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking.

Treatment Treatment for depression can include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Some can become reliant on medication so it’s not always the best route. Practicing stress management skills is another way to deal with depression. Be Resilient!

Severe Depression People who are extremely depressed and who may be thinking about hurting themselves or about suicide need help as soon as possible. When depression is this severe, it is a very real medical emergency. Depression doesn't mean a person is "crazy." Depression (and the suffering that goes with it) is a real and recognized medical problem.

Suicide The intention of taking one’s own life. The signs of suicide are similar to those of depression, this is why action must take place. If you suspect anyone of showing signs of depression tell an adult!

Suicide prevention Recognize the signs- Depressed, Changes in behavior, and talking about death. Don’t ignore the signs or take them lightly- It is better to be overly concerned then pretending nothing is wrong. Ask an adult for help- Serious situation require help. Call a suicide hotline or emergency service- Call for help. Stay with the person- Do not leave them alone no matter what. Show concern for the person- Never underestimate the importance of showing concern.

Many suffer from depression Conan O’Brien Chris Brown Jim Carey Drew Carey Terry Bradshaw Eminem Ab Lincoln Isaac Newton Brittany Spears Oprah

Bipolar Vincent Van Gogh Jean Claude Van Damme Catherine Zeta Jones Robin Williams Edgar Allen Poe Ludwig van Beethoven Ben Stiller